Let's learn more about brain swelling, or encephalitis?

We often get a normal fever and a headache. But sometimes this fever and headache can feel a little different, a little more serious. That happens when there is inflammation, that is, swelling, inside the brain . Today we are talking about such a serious condition, but it is very important to know about it. That is encephalitis . Although this is a very rare condition, young children, the elderly, and those with weakened immune systems are at higher risk.

What is Encephalitis?

Simply put, encephalitis is an inflammation of your brain tissue. This can be very serious. Depending on the part of your brain that is inflamed, you may experience a variety of symptoms, including changes in behavior, seizures , and loss of consciousness.

Most often, this is caused by a viral infection. For example, the herpes simplex virus . It can also be caused by bacteria , fungi, parasites, certain medications, and sometimes an autoimmune condition.

Difference between encephalitis and meningitis

Many people confuse these two because they are both conditions of swelling in the brain. Think of our brain as a pillow.

• Encephalitis: This involves swelling of the lining of the brain. That is, the brain tissue itself.
• Meningitis: This is an inflammation of the meninges, the protective membranes that surround the brain and spinal cord .

Although both of these conditions can be dangerous, they are two different diseases.

Is this disease contagious?

Encephalitis is not contagious. However, the virus or bacteria that causes it can be. For example, the herpes virus can be transmitted from one person to another. Also, childhood illnesses like measles and mumps used to cause encephalitis. But now that we all get vaccines, that risk has been greatly reduced.

What are the main reasons for this?

There are many causes of encephalitis. Let's look at them in a table.

Sometimes doctors may not be able to find a specific cause for this.

Main types of encephalitis

This can come in two main ways.

1. Infectious Encephalitis

This is the most common type. It occurs when a germ, such as a virus or bacteria, enters the brain directly and causes an infection. People who live in areas with high mosquito populations and stagnant water are at higher risk. This type can develop quickly, and symptoms can quickly become severe.

2. Autoimmune Encephalitis

This is a bit complicated. What happens here is not an external pathogen, but our own immune system mistakenly attacks healthy cells in the brain. This develops gradually. Here, you can see more neurological symptoms such as confusion, memory problems, and seizures. There are several specific conditions related to this (e.g. `Anti-NMDA receptor encephalitis`, `Hashimoto's encephalopathy`).

What are the symptoms?

Symptoms may appear suddenly or gradually over several days.

How do you find this, Doctor?

Your doctor will first ask you about your symptoms, from the day they started. It's also important to ask if you've been to areas where mosquitoes and ticks are common, or if you've been in contact with someone who has been sick. Then they'll examine your body and, if necessary, do some tests like this.

• Blood tests: Check for infection.
• Imaging tests: A CT scan or MRI scan will be done to see if there is swelling or other problems in the brain.
• EEG (Electroencephalogram): This helps detect seizures by looking at the electrical activity of the brain.
• Lumbar Puncture: Don't be alarmed by this. This involves taking a very small sample of fluid from the spinal cord and looking directly at the brain for infection.
• Brain biopsy: This is done very rarely, only if no other tests can find the cause.

How is it treated?

Because encephalitis is a serious condition, it usually requires hospitalization and treatment, where your heart rate, blood pressure, and breathing are constantly monitored.

Treatment depends on the cause of the disease and the patient's condition.

• Steroids: These medications are given to reduce swelling in the brain.
• Antiviral drugs: If you are infected with a virus like herpes, you will be given drugs like `Acyclovir`.
• Antibiotics: If the cause is bacteria.
• Anticonvulsants: Control seizures.
• For autoimmune conditions: Specific treatments such as `Immune globulin` or `Plasmapheresis`.
• For fever and headache: Medicines such as paracetamol.

Therapy required even after recovery

After recovery, some people may need more help to recover.

• Physical therapy: Strengthen muscles again for things like walking and standing.
• Occupational therapy: Learn to do daily tasks independently.
• Speech therapy: Overcome speech difficulties.
• Psychotherapy: Manage mental changes and anxiety caused by the disease.

How can you protect yourself from this?

The best thing to do is to avoid the germs that cause this.

• Get vaccinated: Get all the vaccines your doctor recommends on time, especially for children.
• Stay clean: Wash your hands often with soap and water. Don't share dishes, cups, or towels with others.
• Protect yourself from mosquitoes and ticks:
• Mosquitoes are most common in the evening and early morning. If you go out during these times, wear clothing that covers your body.
• Put screens on the windows of the house.
• Use mosquito nets.
• Clean up areas where water collects. Old tires, coconut shells, and flower pots are places where mosquitoes that spread diseases like dengue lay their eggs.
• If going to forested areas, wear clothing that covers the entire body.